Sign in Subscribe
Cancer

Breakthroughs in Cancer Gene Therapy: Emerging Technologies and Cooperative Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported significant advancements in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, specifically in the area of endovascular neurointerventional techniques. According to the study, the past 25 years have seen limited progress in treating CNS tumors, with dismal outcomes for malignancies such as glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. To combat this, researchers are exploring the use of the cerebral vasculature as a route for therapeutic delivery in neuro-oncology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has reported significant advancements in the treatment of CNS tumors using endovascular neurointerventional techniques.
  • Several intra-arterial clinical trials are currently underway targeting CNS tumors with different therapeutic agents, including yttrium-90, oncolytic viruses, and cellular immunotherapy.
  • A multi-disciplinary cooperation and collaboration are integral to the success of this emerging clinical endeavor, which aims to provide novel therapeutic options for CNS cancers.
  • Technological advances in imaging modalities, selective methods of blood brain barrier opening, and devices and catheters will aid in the advancement of the field.
  • The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) convened the inaugural Neurointerventional Oncology Summit to discuss the current state of practice and efforts to develop an organizational platform to treat patients suffering from CNS cancers.

Notable individuals and organizations mentioned in the report include:

  • Kazim H. Narsinh, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Christopher C. Young, Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Stephen R. Chen, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Sameer A. Ansari, Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Steven W. Hetts, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Frederick F. Lang, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Max Wintermark, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Peter T. Kan, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS)
  • The Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • The Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • The Department of Neuroradiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Statistics:

  • The past 25 years have seen limited progress in treating CNS tumors.
  • Glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma have dismal outcomes.
  • Several intra-arterial clinical trials are currently underway targeting CNS tumors with different therapeutic agents.
  • The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) convened the inaugural Neurointerventional Oncology Summit with 100 attendees.
  • The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has a long history of research and innovation in the field of cancer treatment.
  • The American Journal of Neuroradiology has published numerous articles on neurointerventional oncology.

Sources:

  • American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2025
  • State of Practice: A Report from the Inaugural SNIS Neurointerventional Oncology Summit
  • Amer Soc Neuroradiology, PO Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834-9349, USA
  • American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2025, p 4442
  • Kazim H. Narsinh, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Christopher C. Young, Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Stephen R. Chen, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Sameer A. Ansari, Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Steven W. Hetts, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Frederick F. Lang, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Max Wintermark, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Peter T. Kan, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Note: All statistics and information are based on the provided text and may not include additional information or context.

Read more